Climbing and Mountaineering

Which climbing and mountaineering equipment should you choose to be safe in the mountains?

The ice axe is undoubtedly the iconic piece of equipment for the perfect mountaineer. Whether climbing rock faces, crossing a glacier, or conquering a high altitude summit, the list of gear can be more or less extensive. Glisshop has selected from brands such as Petzl, Camp, Grivel, Black Diamond, ... the equipment suited to your level and goals. This ranges from climbing shoes to carabiners or harnesses. It also includes ropes and lanyards, climbing helmets, mountaineering crampons, ice screws as well as via ferrata equipment.

Get ready for
your crag projects

with our training
selection

Discover

PETZL

Be safe during your adventures

Shop now

Mountaineering
& Approach Shoes

Your spring adventure begins at altitude

Discover

What equipment do you need for indoor climbing?

Have you decided to try indoor climbing? Here is the minimum equipment you need to get started:

A harness
A belay device
Climbing shoes
A chalk bag
Possibly climbing glasses

Since climbing gyms are usually pre-equipped with quickdraws and ropes, you don’t need to invest in this equipment for now.

Helmet, rope, bag...: What climbing equipment do you need for outdoor crag climbing?

Outdoor climbing requires more equipment. In the wild, sport climbing spots are not equipped the same way as indoors and the risks are also different.

In addition to the basic indoor climbing equipment, you will need:

A single climbing rope
Possibly a rope bag to prevent the rope from dragging on the ground and getting dirty.
A certified helmet
A set of 12 quickdraws to equip anchor points
An accessory cord loop to tie a prusik knot for safe abseiling
A climbing lanyard or sling, preferably double, to secure yourself at the belay while setting up the multi-pitch manoeuvre
Carabiners to build a belay
A quick link for escape in case of a lead climber’s blockage
The guidebook of the site
A climbing backpack to carry your gear to the bottom of the cliff during the approach walk

For multi-pitch climbing, you can add a twin rope, often more practical for manoeuvres than a classic single rope and with a lower impact force in case of a fall. You can also bring one or two slings to equip unchained belays or extend a quickdraw for your second climber on a tricky section.

What about traditional climbing?

If you’re interested in trad climbing, you’re already an experienced climber. To practice this type of climbing, you need to add to your full equipment a set of nuts and a set of cams or camming devices to create effective anchor points, as well as a good number of sling loops. You will also need more carabiners to cover all situations.

There you go, a brief summary to help you identify the equipment you need depending on the type of climbing you want to practise.

What climbing equipment do you need for bouldering?

For indoor bouldering, you only need a pair of climbing shoes and sharp fingers. Depending on the gym’s rules, you can add powdered chalk or liquid chalk.

For outdoor bouldering, like at Fontainebleau for example, you should invest in a good crash pad to avoid painful landings.

Mountaineering and alpine equipment buying guide. How to gear up properly?

Choosing the right equipment for mountaineering is an integral part of preparation before every mountain expedition. Having the right gear is essential before setting off on a climb. It guarantees your safety. Nothing is worse than struggling with faulty or unsuitable equipment, isn’t it? High altitude demands careful preparation and equipment that, while specialised, offers great versatility. This is especially true for your ice axe(s) and mountaineering crampons. Glacier travel is not improvised, so here are some tips to prepare in the best possible way.

Basic mountaineering equipment list:

- Mountaineering ice axe

The mountaineering or trekking ice axe is useful in many situations. It allows you to move on glaciers among crevasses with a blade that grips well in snow or ice. Opposite the blade, there is either an adze or a hammer. The adze is ideal for cutting steps or preparing a deadman anchor, while the hammer is used for efficient piton placement. Regarding weight, remember you carry everything in and on your backpack and every gram saved is energy saved. Glacier trekking ice axes are rather light, often weighing less than 300 g. They are preferably attached to the front of your pack. This type of ice axe can also be used as a walking stick if you choose the right length. With your arm extended, it should reach your ankle.

- Mountaineering crampons for mixed and ice climbing

Crampons are essential for all outings on ice or hard snow. There are several binding systems depending on your mountaineering boots:

Step-in crampons
Hybrid crampons
Strap-on crampons

It is important to test compatibility before heading out on your adventure. A ski touring boot and a rigid mountaineering boot with heel/toe welts work with all three types of bindings: strap, hybrid or step-in crampons.

Crampons have 10 or 12 points and are made of aluminium or steel. For glacier trekking, aluminium points are sufficient. They are lighter, less cumbersome to carry in your backpack and lighter underfoot when walking. Steel points are recommended if you encounter rocky sections or very sharp ice. Steel crampons are essential for ice climbing, for example.

You can also choose a versatile model combining aluminium and steel like the Petzl Hybrid crampons.

- Different types of ropes

When climbing in pairs, you must be connected by a rope to prevent a possible fall or other accidents. For glacier travel, a twin rope is ideal due to its light weight and thinness. Perfect for abseiling, this double strand rope provides double security. It can even be used to rope up two seconds simultaneously. Additionally, it is advisable to carry a static rope for crevasse rescue or to lift a load as efficiently as possible.

- Harness

For mountaineering or ski touring, every gram counts! Choose a lightweight and comfortable harness that can easily be worn even with a backpack. Preferably, a model with adjustable and detachable leg loops so you can put on your harness without removing your skis or crampons.

- Essential accessories:

In addition to the basic equipment, you will need to complete your list with accessories and hardware such as carabiners, accessory cords, descenders, ice screws, nuts and of course a mountaineering helmet to protect you from falling rocks. Also don’t forget technical clothing suited to mountaineering such as mountaineering boots, insulating merino wool base layers, mountaineering gloves, hardshell jackets with membranes, as well as headlamps and sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

What to wear for climbing?

Besides equipment, choosing the right climbing clothing and mountaineering clothing is essential to ensure comfort, safety and performance. Climbers should opt for technical garments suited to the weather conditions and intensity. In climbing, freedom of movement is paramount, hence the importance of stretchy and breathable materials. In mountaineering, the focus is on thermal protection and waterproofness, with modular layering systems. Many specialised manufacturers offer innovative products designed to resist abrasion, wick away sweat and retain heat, while remaining lightweight. These clothes must also be compatible with wearing a harness or backpack. Proper equipment maximises your chances of success while minimising risks in vertical environments.

Find the best equipment manufacturers in our climbing store and online shop, as well as all the top brands:

At Glisshop, you will find all the technical equipment from the biggest mountain brands such as Petzl, Millet, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Mammut, Black Diamond, Climbing Technology and many others at the best prices, along with expert advice if you need help finding the right gear.